Raknis

Watcher in the Web, The Hunter, Weaver of Shadows and Lies

Summary

The entity known as Raknis is a powerful extradimensional predator reputed to have consumed multiple worlds throughout the omniverse. Avatars and similar incarnations have varied in gender and form, though a vague arachnid motif is common for non-humanoid instances. It values secrecy and makes destroying details of its nature and actions a priority, reducing much of what is known about it to speculation and apocrypha. Raknis is considered part of a loosely affiliated group of predatory entities called “The Neverborn,” which also includes Zhuul the Binder, Soulblight, Qsathoggua, Nightmonger, and Kha’Keth the Eternal among its infernal number. This group has often acted against the protective and guiding entities of the Modrossus, either directly or through agents and proxies.

• Consuming Children of Raknis: This is one of the more graphic and memorable expressions of Raknis’ power. An acolyte or trusted agent can cast this spell to consume an enemy from within, though there exists a variant cast upon expendable or unreliable agents in addition to being used against actual enemies of the cult, triggered by thoughts of imminent betrayal or capture. In either case, the spell causes the target to suddenly display hundreds of tiny “bumps” moving rapidly under the skin followed by the target vomiting forth a veritable geyser of scurrying spider-like creatures that move out to fill the affected area, mystically consuming not only the target himself (who appears to “deflate” gruesomely) but also those unfortunate enough to be in the way. Fear of this spell and its potential “suicide bomber” usage, is heavily influencing AEGIS’ protocols for dealing with cult members.
• Mark of the Betrayer: Once a devotee of Raknis has taken their vows of loyalty and obedience to the cult, any betrayal results in a mystic sigil appearing on the traitor’s forehead, visible to those who possess this spell. A user of this spell can perform a brief ritual to “brand” a traitor with this sigil in the same way.
• Seductive Word of Raknis: A favorite recruiting tool used when a necessary cat’s-paw isn’t found corrupt enough for more traditional methods of enticement, this spell results in a mind-control effect the target neither perceives happening nor understands to have influenced them afterwards.
• Spawn of Raknis: This spell forces open a small and instantaneous gate to one of the dimensions already under Raknis’ control and pulls forth one of his servitors, a massive armored arachnoid-like entity.
• Web of Deceit: This enchantment blocks or obscures magical attempts to analyze a target’s mystical ability or their spiritual devotions, hiding both sorcerous abilities and the marks on the soul enthrallment to powerful mystical entities leave.